Raptors struggle without Kawhi Leonard in pre-season opener vs. Heat

The Toronto Raptors opened the NBA preseason in Quebec City against the Miami Heat at the Videotron Centre, but their season-long question was answered in part: without Kawhi Leonard, Toronto fell 129-105. The article frames Leonard as the missing ingredient to lift a young Raptors roster, referencing his past 65-game, All-NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Miami, however, presented depth and star power after a blockbuster offseason trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, plus additions such as Klay Thompson, Bobby Portis Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr., while holding players including Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic noted Leonard hasn’t played full-court live basketball in training camp and last did so against Golden State in a play-in.